You've undoubtedly heard the tale of Robin Hood, but what if I was to tell you they got it all wrong?
First of all, Robin is female.
{All characters other than my own belong to J. R. R. Tolkien}
Chapter soundtrack: 'White Flag' by Bishop Briggs, suggested by SADlSM.
♪ = cue music
† Chp. XL (same) †
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"Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor in peace or war, in living or dying," Pippin pledges, his soft voice echoing throughout the empty hall.
Yes, it's a bloody miracle that I'm still allowed in this depressing room. Pippin racked up an excuse to allow me inside so that he won't feel so tense when with the steward. I just have to hold my end of the bargain and keep my mouth shut.
"From-" The halfing loses his words, and Denethor grins from a top his chair. "From this hour hence forth, until my lord release me, or death take me."
"And I shall not forget it!" Denethor exclaims, rising and approaching Pippin. "Nor fail to reward that which is given."
The man extends his hand, and the hobbit hesitantly kisses his bedazzled ring. I stand off to the side, arms crossed as I raise a brow.
"Fealty with love. Valour with honour. Disloyalty with vengeance." His eye meets that of Faramir's as the steward sits to dine at his table, the wood garnished with all sorts of delicacies. "I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defences. Defences that your brother long held intact."
My jaw comes to clench.
"What would you have me do?" Faramir questions.
"I will not yield the River and Pellenor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken." Denethor immediately replies, as if he had already mapped out the conversation within his gutted mind.
"My lord, Osgiliath is over run." Faramir responds with clear irritation.
"Much must be risked in war. Is there a Captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?"
Tension arises as eye contact remains strong, yet resentful, between the bitter father and his abandoned son. I feel my blood begin to boil.
Keeping quiet will prove to be harder than expected.
"You wish now that our places had been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived." Faramir weakly proclaims, emotion heavy in his tone as tears brim his empty eyes.
